Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 130 – The Struggle Of War.
Zeta's POV.
As I entered the room, Juper and Raze looked over from the bed. Smiling I approached. Raze calmly asked.
"What's wrong?"
Approaching my old friend I replied.
"Nothing. Tusk?"
The red echidna was for sure awake. His eyes turned to see me there smiling. Instantly he questioned.
"Zeta?"
Raze widened her eyes in confusion as I stated with a laugh.
"You look like shit."
Immediately Tusk chuckled and replied.
"Thanks. Mind telling me whats going on? Why are you here?"
"Still running for my life actually. Bunking down with the rebellion is as good as it is going to get for me. You can understand that."
Keeping a smile Tusk replied.
"Makes sense. Would also explain why that bomb in the Pakistan was so tricky. Do I have you to thank for all this?"
Losing my smile I replied.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. At least I know I wasn't outclassed by some rookie. You look good."
"Thank you." I replied back as he closed his eyes to breathe. After some time he said.
"So Raptor survived, chased after us, came to Pakistan, killed Scrotus, got you to build a bomb to trap me and Blitz, Gorgon ran, and Linnen hung him out to dry. Am I at least close?"
I just smiled and replied.
"Still just as smart as ever."
Looking back at me Tusk replied.
"It's the only story that makes sense. But Zeta...why are you here? How did you get involved in this?"
Taking Raze's seat I replied.
"Raptor got in contact with Hecan and he told him where to find me. I was in Iraq at first, but Raptor helped me get some people off my tail. After that we moved to Pakistan."
"So the deal was to help you get to safety and you would help him track us down?" Wondered Tusk as I nodded.
"Again makes sense. But why Hecan?"
"Hecan and Raptor have a treaty going. After Linnen is dead the rebellion will take control of all three countries and form their own government. Hecan had him sign the contract when he was in Pakistan for the war signing. Linnen is unaware of any of this."
"So he knows about Lore then I assume?"
"Yeah he knows. Told Raptor it was okay to kill Linnen and you guys after the treaty was signed that night."
"So all this time Hecan Moore had a fucking plan. God damn fox is smarter then he looks."
"You mad?" I asked as he shook his head.
"Nah. Just in a lot of pain. Hehe." He laughed as I smiled at his optimism. I had to say it. I knew Tusk well enough to at least offer him some advice.
"What did Raptor tell you?"
Looking back to me he replied.
"Kinda what I expected him to say. He wants me to help him finish off Drake. In return he'll let me live. If not he'll kill me. Kinda simple."
"Tusk Raptor isn't as bad as G.U.N makes him out to be. He's doing this for his home. His country and it's people. He just wants freedom."
Nodding Tusk replied.
"Raptor can do whatever he wants Zeta. I'm not the type to judge a guy based off of what the military tells me. I know the guy. I looked into his records well before I got involved with Gorgon. The only problem he has is the fact that we killed his family. I can't do anything to bring them back or make him feel better about it. Gorgon is getting what he deserves. They should have never stooped that low. There were plenty of other ways to handle him. Going after his family was weak. Killing them just to avenge Jagger and Ruby was something Gorgon wanted. Not Scrotus, not Blitz, not me. Just him. I don't argue with people you know that. I just follow orders."
"Raptor will kill you though if you refuse."
Smiling he replied.
"Yeah I know."
"So are you going to help?"
Tusk just stared at me as I asked the question. But without warning he replied.
"I don't know yet. I'm debating."
Placing my hand on his, I urged.
"Your smart. Make the right choice. I'm sure Jena wouldn't want you to just die."
Now he laughed and replied showing some pain.
"Jena wouldn't give a shit. She would just sell off my stuff to get new clothes for the kids."
"Still." I replied as he nodded.
"I'll think about it, okay?"
"Thank you." I told him as I then looked away to take a moment to prepare myself. Tusk sensed this as I looked back to him to ask.
"I need to ask you something. Back when we were together in China. Do you know if anyone else got out?"
Nodding he replied.
"As far as I know only a few of us escaped that day. Myself and you clearly. But I thought Pepper got out with you. As for Zeak I think he was taken in. Not sure since he never left the room that day. Why?"
"Someone sold me out. Hecan thinks it was Pepper."
"Why would your sister do that?"
"I don't know." I replied as Raze widened her eyes.
Tusk just lowered his gaze as I said with a soft smile.
"Thank you." Standing up to look back at Raze. She retook the chair as I walked for the exit.
"Zeta?" Looking back at Tusk as he called my name, I listened as he said with a happy tone.
"Nice to know you aren't dead yet."
"Key word. Yet." I smiled as I left the room.
Raptor's POV.
Zeta came back with a smile as I wondered.
"How'd it go?"
"Good."
Shutting the door as she came back into my room, I then asked.
"He remember you?"
Sitting down on the bed she replied.
"Who could forget?"
Chuckling I then replied.
"Well point taken."
Laying down to start petting Molly who slept, I then asked with a more serious tone.
"But really, what happened?"
Keeping her eyes on Molly, Zeta replied.
"I asked him about my sister. Asked if he knew anything."
"And?" I wondered now engrossed.
"He just said the same thing Hecan said. She survived but doesn't know where she is."
"Zeta are you sure she sold you out?"
Looking back at me she replied.
"It makes sense. Sell me out and she escapes with her freedom. Someone must have captured her or something to get her to talk though. She wouldn't do it without a reason."
"Tusk say anything else?"
"Yeah someone else could be involved. A guy named Zeak."
"Trouble?" I then asked as she nodded.
"It would make more sense if he was the one to talk. Zeak was just that kind of guy. Even back then he was an ass. Not like I knew him really, but he just had that kind of emotion towards others. If he got caught then I can see him spilling his guts for freedom in return. Not my sister."
"You need anything from me?" I then wondered as she crawled back over to me. Sitting down right next to me, Zeta leaned into my shoulder to reply.
"Just keep me sane. Last thing I want to think about is my own sister betraying me."
"Well I can't promise to keep you sane. I already got myself to worry about."
"You'll be fine. I know you will." She stated as I wrapped my arm back around her.
"Guess we'll find out." I told her as she leaned onto my chest.
"You still owe me a whiskey."
Widening my eyes I replied.
"But...I got her!" Molly even looked up at us as Zeta smiled and laughed. Letting it go, I relaxed and replied.
"Tell you what. We can go out tonight. You and me."
"Raptor Voltz are you asking me on a date?" She questioned as she looked back at me with a fake face of shock.
Smiling I replied.
"I'm asking to take you out and repay you for that drink you so clearly care about. Remember what you said. I'd be crazy if I thought you liked me."
Zeta just then broke out with a wide smile and keeping her eyes on mine she said back with a soft tone.
"That's right. You would be crazy. That's why since your offering to pay for a bottle of my choice I'm going to take you up on the offer."
Nodding my head I then replied.
"Sounds like a plan then."
"When you want to go?"
I had to think about it. Chances are the city is busy right now with the cleanup. Not to mention if there is even a place open during it all. Regardless I know I can find some place to take her. But I wanted to do one last thing before that. So looking to her I replied.
"Eight. How about that?"
Checking the clock she then said.
"Sounds like a plan."
"Good. Listen I got one thing I want to do beforehand. So how about for now you just relax and let me finish up."
Zeta just kept her head on me as she replied.
"Sure. Anything I need to worry about?"
Leaning forward to move. Zeta left my chest and watched as I stood up.
"No nothing. But hey one thing first. Where is my gear?"
Zeta went quiet as I pointed at her.
"I know you have them."
Getting a little defensive she replied.
"Don't worry about it. You'll get them all back. Trust me."
"When?" I questioned as she replied.
"A few days."
"Should I bother asking what your doing?"
Shaking her head she replied.
"Nope. Just let me worry about it. You won't need all that if we go out anyway tonight. So just trust me."
Something was up. She was planning something. And knowing her I can only imagine what. But sticking to her word, I then said as I turned for the door.
"Okay. Just curious is all. That stuff is important."
Zeta just smiled and laid back. Not another word left her mouth as Molly got up to look at me as I opened the door.
"Braf!"
Looking back I saw her hop down to run for me. Zeta quickly shouted.
"Hey!"
Getting down on my knees I replied to her.
"Hey she likes being with me too. Plus you had her all day. So it's mine turn."
With Molly climbing up on my back, I looked to my right shoulder as she leaned over the side. Her head right next to mine as her legs hung on my back. With her in position I stood back up to stick my tongue out at Zeta. She instantly shouted.
"Put that back in your mouth before I cut it off!"
Laughing as I left the room, I shut the door and made my way to the stairs. Again I was being watched. But this time almost everyone was smiling and in awe of Molly being up on my shoulder the way she was. At the least she was drawing good attention.
Making my way outside, I tried to find Dom. Last I saw him he was training with the others. Molly was sniffing all around as she hung on me, she must be trying to understand all the new things going on around her. As I neared the training grounds I saw Dom still going at it. Even his men were all still going. This time however as I neared I took notice that each and every one of them was nearing exhaustion. Coming in between one of the workout switches I shouted as Dom was in the middle of giving the next command.
"Sergeant!"
Immediately Dom tensed up and turned around to see me there behind him. Clearly cutting it close Dom was breathing heavily as even his men stopped to listen as I spoke.
"I need to speak with you for a moment. Spare the time?" I asked him as he nodded and replied.
"Of course commander. The rest of you can take a break! But keep in formation! I'll be back soon!" He stated to his men as I watched them all ease up. With time Dom turned to approach me and Molly. He instantly smiled as he took notice to her position.
"What the fuck is this? How did you train her to ride you like this?" He asked as he reached to start petting her head. Molly shut her eyes and began to wag her tail as I replied.
"Didn't train her at all. She did it on her on. She's something special."
"Clearly." Dom replied back as I switched the subject.
"Do you know where Carver and John are? It's been a few years since I last saw them."
Refocusing Dom replied.
"Yeah last I heard Carver and John were working together as a recon team since they got called back into action."
"You know what their doing?" I then asked as he wiped his forehead off of sweat to reply.
"Honestly? I don't know. Last thing I heard from ether of them was that they were watching for any G.U.N activity. Can't say if they got any though since the battle ended. You can probably raise them on comms if you really wanted to know."
Nodding my head, I then looked back to his men to wonder.
"How long you gonna bust them for?"
Smiling Dom replied.
"Another hour or so. Just cause the battle here is over doesn't mean we won't be fighting in Iraq or Pakistan soon. I want everyone to be ready. No getting lazy."
Going silent, I listened as Dom then asked.
"You cut your coat? It looks really dark to be honest with you commander."
"Yeah I noticed. We'll see what happens in a day or two."
"Regardless you look good. You need anything else from me?"
Shaking my head I replied.
"No. You can go back to your men. Thanks Dom."
Smiling Dom said with a burst of energy.
"Any time commander! You know where to find me!"
Chuckling I watched as he went back to his men. Breaking away from the fields I moved back to the holding blocks. As I entered back into the building I looked to one of the guards to ask.
"How's the big guy? He awake?"
Nodding the kid replied.
"Yes sir. You want to go in?"
"You got the idea. Key." I ordered as he tossed me the key to his cell.
Making my way over to the block, I entered to find Blitz sitting in his room. His hands holding his head up as I unlocked the door. Instantly he looked up to widen his eyes. The soldiers behind me stood by the door just in case as I entered the room to ask.
"You remember me?"
The wolf was at a loss for words as I got feet away from him. Judging by the looks of this guy I knew he was a powerhouse. Young and built enough to break most men in half if he got a hold of you. Regardless of his size I got back.
"Yeah I remember you. How the fuck are you alive?"
Keeping my posture straight I replied.
"Luck if you believe in that. Regardless you now know what kind of situation your in yes?"
This guy alone looked intimating. If he wanted I'm sure he could take me on for a round or two. But he kept himself sitting and replied to my question.
"Can't say it's the most ideal spot to be in."
Sensing some pain in his response, I said with direction.
"You got hit in the head by a big block of cement. Concussion was lucky for ya. Thankfully that suit you were wearing saved your life."
Looking back up at me he asked.
"Is Tusk okay? We were both in the middle of that blast."
"He's alive. Barely." I replied as he let out a deep sigh.
"He's under the care of one of the best doctors around. He'll live."
"Gorgon?" He then asked as I calmly replied.
"Gorgon is in another cell. I already spoke with him."
"You gonna kill him?" He then asked as I replied directly.
"I haven't made up my mind yet. Linnen sold you boys out however. Gorgon left you and Tusk for dead at that garage. I'm not sure if I want to just outright kill a guy like him yet."
"We killed your family." Stated Blitz as I quickly corrected.
"Gorgon killed my family. Not you. Not Tusk. That's why you two are still alive and are not rotting alongside him right now."
"So what do you want then?" He then asked as I approached to wonder.
"Can I sit?"
Blitz slowly moved a seat over on the small cot to give me room. Sitting down next to him I replied.
"I want your help. Tusk is a bomb expert and a world class engineer. So obviously I want him alive. Cause I know all about Linnen's defense back in Pakistan from your friend Scrotus."
"Fuck Scrotus." Replied Blitz as I asked.
"Not friends?"
"He was an asshole. Just not the kind of guy I trusted. Call it a natural instinct." Urged Blitz as I then said.
"Well whatever the reason may be, Tusk is only alive with my help. Same goes for you. I know just by looking at you that your the muscle of the team. At first I was debating about just killing you off cause you alone only had that to offer. But thinking about it I'm going to offer you the same deal I offered Tusk."
Looking right at me Blitz then asked.
"What kind of deal?"
"Unaware to you Hecan Moore knows about Ash Lore. He is aware you and your team killed him. Regardless if you believe me or not, I want you to understand that G.U.N is not here to help you out of this. You and your team are marked as rouges. Wanted dead. Your only chance of leaving this country alive after the war is if you help me."
"Why should I trust you?" He then asked as I calmly looked back into his eyes to reply.
"Cause I wouldn't be talking to you like this if I didn't already think you were going to say no."
Blitz just stared at me now. Unaware to him probably I understood just what kind of guy he was. A pure soldier. Looking to my watch I said.
"You have till tomorrow to think this over. You help me and I can guarantee you go home after Linnen has been dealt with. If you decline my offer well then...let's just say the next time we see each other I'll be sizing you up for a box."
Standing up from the bed, I went for the exit.
"Lock it up." I ordered my men as I left Blitz to think.
I can tell he isn't a bad guy. He's just a tough son of a bitch in a bad spot. Hopefully soon he can see the benefits in helping the good guys for once. Gorgon shouldn't be the one to decide their fate.
mT Shadow.